Audi struck the SUV carrying her and Leonard Benzinger in Delhi
August 13, 2026 | Delhi, CA
What happened in the crash?
Faye Benzinger, 83, was killed after a speeding Audi struck the SUV she was riding in with her husband, Leonard Benzinger, 84, on Sycamore Street in Delhi.
- Date and time: Aug. 13 at 9:47 a.m.
- Location: Sycamore Street, Delhi, CA
- Vehicles: SUV driven by Leonard Benziger, 84; Audi driven by Jose Perez Hernandez
- Injuries: Faye Benziger, 83, died at the hospital; Leonard Benziger seriously injured
- Charges: Jose Perez Hernandez charged with suspicion of DUI and felony hit-and-run; prior DUI arrest in 2024
According to the California Highway Patrol, Faye Benziger was a passenger in an SUV driven by her husband when a speeding Audi struck the vehicle. The driver of the Audi fled on foot but was later apprehended in a nearby orchard. The investigation remains ongoing.
Why do these accidents happen?
Alcohol-impaired driving continues to rank among the leading causes of fatal crashes in California. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that 1,355 people died in alcohol-involved crashes in 2023, marking a 55 percent increase since 2014.
Impaired drivers often experience reduced judgment, blurred vision, poor coordination, and slower reaction times.
Accident Statistics
| Source | Statistic | Year | Change Since 2014 |
|---|
| California Office of Traffic Safety | 1,355 deaths in alcohol-involved crashes | 2023 | +55% |
| Federal Highway Administration | Alcohol impairment factor in 30% of fatal crashes nationally | Recent | N/A |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, separate from criminal charges, a victim's family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and text records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights while ensuring that a drunk driver is held accountable for their reckless actions.
— candice bond, managing partner of bond legal
We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.
— stefano formica, of counsel with bond legal
Key takeaways
- Families may pursue civil claims for loss of companionship and emotional distress
- Attorneys can gather additional evidence beyond initial police reports
- Early legal guidance helps protect rights during ongoing investigations
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).